Air Kiribati aircraft
An Air Kiribati aircraft flying in sky. Credit: Embraer.

Embraer has signed a contract with the Government of Kiribati and Air Kiribati for the order of E190-E2 E-Jets, as well as two purchase rights for the same aircraft type.

The deal is valued at $243m.

Delivery of the E190-E2 jets are expected to take place next year and will enable Air Kiribati to operate flights on both international and longer domestic routes than currently possible with its turboprop fleet.

Embraer Commercial Aviation Asia Pacific vice-president Cesar Pereira said: “Flying in the Pacific over large bodies of water requires outstanding range, performance and ample cargo capacity.

“Air Kiribati’s selection of the E190-E2 is yet another validation of the world’s most efficient single-aisle jet design, which exceeds these requirements and will enable the airline to enhance its flight frequency and to boost its network.”

“Air Kiribati’s selection of the E190-E2 is yet another validation of the world’s most efficient single-aisle jet design.”

The E190-E2 is part of Embraer’s new E-Jets E2 family of aircraft, which are designed to accommodate 70 to 150 passengers.

The aircraft is designed to fly at a maximum range of 2,850 nautical miles and can seat up to 114 passengers.

It can also cover the vast region of Kiribati, including from Tarawa directly to Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, over the Pacific.

In a separate development, Embraer and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras have finalised a deal for the sale and purchase of a previously announced order for 21 E195-E2 jets.

The $1.4bn deal was unveiled as a letter of intent (LoI) in July and follows an order for 30 E195-E2 jets placed by Azul in 2015.

It has also brought the total number of order placed by the airline for Embraer E2 aircraft to 51.

Azul, which is the launch operator of the E195-E2 jet, is scheduled to take delivery of the first aircraft of the type next year.